Choosing a company as a payroll service provider

At the heart of a the relationship with a good payroll service provider is the trust you have in that company and the people you are dealing with.

For the arrangement you should have a solid understanding of the payroll service providers capabilities and payroll services being provided. The best approach is one of partnership.

You want to be working with a payroll service company who is not purely interested in short term gains but who want to work with you, building your business for many years to come.

Our experience shows that choosing a payroll service company is based around a few key criteria:

• Flexibilty
• Quality of service
• Customer service
• Value for money
• A positive approach 

Flexibility

Will the payroll service provider work with you and your systems with out imposing their own systems, procedures and rigid deadlines on you

At Dataplan we take this approach - companies of 50 employees plus will aleady have reasonably sphisticated systems for paying their people. If it isn't broken don't fix it. Of course if you need help with your systems and processes we can do that too.

Quality of service

Can your payroll service company reassure you of their professional competence. Getting payroll accurate, on-time, every time is paramount.

Are all payroll bureaus made equal in this respect? We think not. In 2008 the Institute of Payroll Professionals (IPP) recognised Dataplan Payroll Limited as their payroll outsourcer of the year.

Customer service

Yes a payroll service company will calculate your payroll and arrange the necessary payments for employees. But what else will they do. We mentioned above that payroll providers should be looking for long term partnerships. How does the payroll provider go beyond the figures to make sure that this happens.

See our customer charter to get a feel for how we go about this.

Value for money

Value for money is not just about price. It is about getting the service that you need at the best rates. The offerings form payroll bureaus can vary wildly. Establish exactly what you need and make sure you are getting it.

Based in Lincolnshire we are ideally placed with to provide a cost efective service without paying London and major city overheads. Our team are adept at developing efficient systems with our clients letting us charge a fair rate for our services.

Clarity of pricing

Do you understand exactly how much you would be paying for your payroll  service. Check out our payroll

A proactive approach

What is your provider doing to adapt and react to changes in the payroll world. Do they offer payment by BACS, in year filing with HMRC, use of internet for speed security and access, online payroll provision, advising you of upcoming changes. Establish how your chosen provider will be proactive for you.

Not all payroll service companies are made equal. Take care when you choose your payroll service provider.

See our checklist of questions to ask your payroll service company